The Transition to Environment-Friendly Materials in Philippine Construction

by Armee Sedillo Taylo

Armee Sedillo Taylo

Image courtesy of Randy Fath @ Unsplash.

The Philippine construction industry, crucial for economic growth, navigates between innovation and tradition. While foundational for development, traditional materials pose environmental challenges, including resource depletion and high emissions.

Adopting environment-friendly materials offers a sustainable solution, promising to reduce the industry’s ecological footprint and align with global climate change efforts. This shift towards greener materials supports economic progress alongside environmental stewardship, positioning the Philippines as a leader in sustainable development.

Understanding Environment-Friendly Construction Materials

Environment-friendly construction materials are characterized by their low impact on the planet, from how they are sourced to their manufacturing process to their durability and disposal. These materials are designed to reduce the environmental footprint of construction projects and support sustainable construction practices that prioritize the health of the ecosystem and the well-being of communities. They typically come from renewable sources, have high energy efficiency, and are recyclable or biodegradable, making them a sustainable choice for the future.

The palette of environment-friendly materials is diverse, including bamboo, recycled steel, reclaimed wood, and even newer innovations such as self-healing concrete and cool roofing. Each of these materials represents a step towards reducing the depletion of finite resources, minimizing energy consumption, and cutting down on construction waste.

With its rapid growth, bamboo is a prime example of a highly renewable resource. On the other hand, Recycled steel utilizes existing material, eliminating the need for new mining and significantly reducing emissions.

Hemp is another sustainable material known for its low environmental impact and versatility. Additionally, abaca, also native to the Philippines, is celebrated for its sustainability and is used in various eco-friendly products, further demonstrating the country’s commitment to environmentally conscious resources.

The principles guiding using environment-friendly materials in construction are deeply rooted in sustainability and efficiency. These principles advocate for minimizing environmental degradation and promoting resource conservation throughout the lifecycle of construction projects. By integrating these materials into building designs, the construction industry can achieve remarkable benefits:

Lower greenhouse gas emissions
Enhanced energy savings
Reduced waste
Improved air and water quality

The Environmental Impact of Eco-Friendly Construction Materials

Adopting eco-friendly materials in construction ushers in a new era of environmental stewardship and sustainability. The construction industry significantly strides toward reducing construction waste and promoting recycling by centering our efforts on materials such as bamboo, recycled steel, and other sustainable options.

Inherently designed for durability and reusability, these materials contribute to a cycle of continuous use that mitigates the need for new resources, thereby conserving what we have for future generations.

Eco-friendly materials are also pivotal in minimizing the construction industry’s carbon footprint. Traditional construction methods are resource-intensive and contribute significantly to global carbon emissions. The application of eco-friendly construction materials is gradually gaining traction, particularly in provinces where sustainable living practices are becoming more prevalent.

For example, in provinces such as Palawan and Siargao, known for their pristine natural environments and eco-tourism, there is a growing emphasis on using local, sustainable materials in construction. Bamboo, widely available across the Philippines, is being increasingly utilized in these areas for its durability, flexibility, and sustainable properties. It grows rapidly and absorbs around 60 tons of CO2 annually.

The use of recycled plastic bricks in provinces like Cebu showcases innovative efforts to tackle plastic pollution while providing durable and affordable construction materials. These eco-bricks are made from plastic waste collected from coastal clean-up drives, turning a pressing environmental problem into a sustainable construction solution.

Integrating sustainable materials and net-zero construction techniques offers a path to constructing buildings that are less harmful to the environment and can, in some cases, be entirely carbon neutral. This approach aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promotes the health of our planet.

The Philippines shows how the country is taking critical steps towards sustainable construction practices. The National Building Code, which mandates green building standards and energy efficiency measures for newly constructed buildings, has seen many eco-friendly materials used nationwide in projects.

The devastation wrought by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013 served as a stark reminder of the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters. It prompted a nationwide reassessment of construction practices. In response, the government intensified its efforts to incorporate sustainability and resilience into the core of its reconstruction and development agenda.

One pivotal initiative was the “Build-Back-Better” strategy, which aimed to rebuild the affected areas and enhance their resilience against future calamities. This strategy underscores the importance of using materials and designs that withstand the forces of natural disasters to reduce the potential for future loss of life and economic damage.

Moreover, the development and implementation of green building certification systems, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE), further encourage using sustainable materials in construction. These certifications promote environmental sustainability and offer economic benefits through energy and cost savings in the long run.

One notable example of eco-friendly materials being utilized in construction is bamboo. In the Philippines, bamboo has been used for centuries as a primary building material due to its strength, durability, and renewability.

Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in bamboo as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. It has been used in various construction projects, from low-cost housing to high-end commercial buildings, showcasing its versatility and potential for wide-scale adoption.

Another promising material is earth or mud, which has been used for thousands of years in traditional construction methods. In recent times, there has been a revival of using earth-based techniques, also known as rammed earth or compressed earth block (CEB), in modern construction.

This method uses a mixture of soil, gravel, and stabilizers such as cement or lime to create durable and energy-efficient walls. This technique is cost-effective, has a low carbon footprint, and can help reduce waste using locally sourced materials.

Economic Implications of Environment-Friendly Construction Materials

Integrating environmentally friendly materials in the construction industry heralds a stride toward environmental sustainability and significant economic implications.

At first glance, investing in green materials might seem significantly pricier—perhaps 15% more—than conventional building resources.

Yet, the initial investment is offset when considering the long-term benefits, such as a 20% reduction in energy consumption, lower maintenance costs, and an increase in the lifespan of these eco-friendly buildings. This translates to a substantial economic benefit over time, making the upfront cost a worthwhile investment for the economy.

With their eco-conscious designs and materials, Philippine traditional houses underscore the wealth of indigenous knowledge and resources that can be tapped into for modern sustainable construction. This cultural heritage and innovative environment-friendly construction materials set the stage for a distinctive market demand.

Consumers, increasingly aware of environmental issues, prefer sustainable living spaces, boosting the market demand for construction projects that prioritize green materials.

Inspired by India’s success, the shift towards green construction in the Philippines represents a significant move towards sustainability, new business ventures, and job creation. India’s green building initiatives have catalyzed economic growth and employment, generating an estimated 3 million jobs over five years. This trend highlights the demand for skills in sustainable construction and the potential for job creation through energy-efficient technologies and materials.

Barriers to the Adoption of Eco-Friendly Construction Materials

Despite the clear benefits of using eco-friendly materials, the transition towards sustainable construction faces several barriers. Key among these challenges are technical, economic, and regulatory obstacles that can slow adoption rates.

From a technical perspective, incorporating sustainable materials into construction necessitates extra research and development. Aligning traditional building methods and materials with modern building codes or standards is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency. However, it is precisely this challenge that slows the adoption of eco-friendly construction materials.

For example, traditional Bahay Kubo houses in the Philippines exemplify eco-conscious and sustainable construction. But several issues arise here. First, these indigenous structures are primarily built from natural materials, such as bamboo and nipa palm, for the roofs, which, despite their environmental benefits, might need to meet modern safety standards regarding fire resistance, durability, and resilience to natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes.

Second, Bahay Kubo’s architecture design, rooted in historical and cultural practices, may not comply with contemporary regulations on space, accessibility, and facilities designed to ensure the health and safety of occupants. Finally, integrating modern utilities such as electricity and plumbing into these traditionally designed structures poses additional compliance challenges.

Adapting these traditional methods to contemporary constructions without compromising their environmental benefits demands innovation and, sometimes, reconsidering established construction practices.

Economically, the initial cost of sourcing and utilizing environment-friendly materials can be higher than that of conventional materials. This cost barrier can deter developers and homeowners alike, notwithstanding the long-term savings eco-friendly materials offer regarding energy consumption, maintenance, and durability.

Furthermore, the niche market of eco-friendly materials sometimes struggles with economies of scale, which could make these materials more affordable if they were used more widely.

The Future of Environment-Friendly Materials in Philippine Construction

The future of environment-friendly materials in Philippine construction holds promising potential, driven by a growing awareness of sustainability and the critical need to mitigate environmental degradation. These materials, pivotal in the evolution of traditional house construction in the Philippines, represent not only a return to eco-conscious building practices but also an adaptation to modern sustainability standards.

Predictions for the growth and development of these environment-friendly materials hinge on technological innovation, increased availability, and economic viability. As these materials become more accessible and cost-effective, their incorporation into mainstream construction practices is expected to surge, reflecting a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship.

Fostering a more favorable environment for integrating these materials requires concerted efforts across multiple fronts. Strategies include:

Implementing policies that incentivize the adoption of sustainable practices.
Developing educational programs to raise awareness among consumers and builders.
Investing in research to enhance the quality and efficiency of environment-friendly materials.

These initiatives aim to reduce the ecological footprint of construction projects while preserving the aesthetic and cultural essence of traditional houses in the Philippines.

Embrace Environment-Friendly Construction in the Philippines

The shift towards environment-friendly materials in Philippine construction is crucial for sustainability and reflects a deep responsibility towards the planet. BillionBricks’ vision for integrating such materials in every construction project aligns with the urgent need to combat climate change. This approach helps preserve the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage and prioritizes the health and well-being of communities.

Adopting sustainable construction practices is viewed not just as beneficial but essential. While the journey towards sustainable architecture is filled with challenges, the collective effort and dedication to environment-friendly materials can pave the way for a greener future. Here at BillionBricks, our commitment to innovation and sustainability is a step in the right direction, making the vision of environment-friendly construction in the Philippines achievable.

Discover how you can live sustainably in our net-zero homes in San Mateo, Rizal, and Iligan, Lanao Del Norte, Philippines. For more information on owning an eco-friendly home with BillionBricks, please reach out to us at hello@billionbricks.org

If you’re interested in exploring net zero construction further, check out another article that provides additional insights:Home Construction Materials to Build a Net Zero Community.

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